IN MEMORIUM OF OUR K-9 HEROES

What is a hero? One definition says: "someone who faces danger and adversity and displays courage for the greater good of all humanity"Our K-9 partners work often in adverse conditions. They are at times challenged with tasks most dogs never see in their lifetimes. And they do it without complaint. They work through pain, they work through illness. And even when they are no longer able to, they still want to work. Someone once said that losing your K-9 partner is like losing your heart. It is. Often you'll find a searcher holding onto their dog, comforted by the wonder of that amazing creature who has offered themselves for our greater good. Thank you seems hardly enough, but often, that is all we can say........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

K-9 Arielwas a purebred German Shepherd born in 2002. From Aitkin, MN, he earned two different nicknames from his SAR family: Fun Police and His Royal Highness. In reality, Ari could have fun, but he was far more serious than most of the dogs in our unit. A dog with a strong work ethic, Ari certified in Scent Specific Air Scent, as well as Land and Water Cadaver. While he loved to trail, he never did certify in that discipline. He had his soft side however. Ari was an instant magnet for small children, even those afraid of dogs. He just had a way with kids and would even get wiggly when he heard their voices. Ari suffered several major health crisis over his lifetime, coming back from each to work again. In the fall of 2013, however, liver failure brought an end to his long career of helping to bring home the missing. He retired to enjoy life, which for him meant training whenever he could; he still loved his job. In February of 2014, Ari was given the MVMA Professional Animal of the Year award, and just five short months later, we lost him. His great heart finally stilled. Ari served for eleven years as a SAR dog, his most impressive find was in the Boundary Waters, where he located a drowning victim 90 feet below the surface of the water. Thank you Ari - you will hold a special places always.

K-9 Guswas adopted from HART Humane Society in Brainerd, MN. From the start he was a character who won hearts just by being himself. Gus, although clearly a mutt, developed his own fan club at AKC shows. People would come to the CLSAR booth just to see him. His nickname was the "Happy Cadaver Dog" because when he was working, he had a smile as big as the great outdoors on his face. He was always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, but when he was working, his commitment to his job was extraordinary. He loved doing demos when he was the center of attention, and yes, he was a bit of a ham. In 2010, Gus began having physical problems. Although a number of things were attempted to help extend his time with us, in January of 2011, Gus was put to rest, going peacefully in his handler's arms. Gus was only in SAR a few short years, but in that time he worked over 30 searches, gave many demos, and won many hearts. The best memorial he received was from the Law Enforcement Officers and Firemen he worked with who had tears in their eyes when told of his passingThank you Gus - you are greatly missed.